Train your eyes to notice common problems you may be overlooking, from top to bottom, such as faded awnings or cigarette butts littering the corner by your front door.

Check the signs

Exterior signs are marketing that works for your business 24/7, Owens notes. Check your signs with these questions:

Are signs clear? Do exterior signs clearly and consistently point patients to your business? Or, for example, does a sign at the front of the strip mall say one thing, such as “Drugs” and the sign in front of your business another, like “Pharmacy”? Are they easy to read from whichever way most customers will approach, driving or walking? If you own the building, would signs on side walls help folks find you?

Are they working well? Exterior signs take a constant beating from the weather, so schedule annual maintenance. Check the wiring, timer and any photo cells.Clean the exterior of the signs regularly and remove bird or wasp nests.

Even with regular maintenance, outdoor acrylic signs typically last five years, Owens said. Plan for replacement to keep your pharmacy’s appearance fresh.

Are there enough? If your pharmacy is located within another building, such as a clinic, do specific wayfinding signs easily direct people to you? Would an addition below your store name, such as “Drive Thru,” drive more traffic to your store?

Make a clean sweep

Spring is a natural time to freshen the outside appearance of your pharmacy. Consider whether it’s time to:

Pressure wash the sidewalk. Deep cleaning can make a dramatic difference.

Trim the vegetation or plant new. Winning a landscaping and beautification award from your local community will bring added attention to your location.

Apply fresh paint and restripe the parking lot. Several factors affect how long exterior paint holds up, but if it’s been more than five years since your pharmacy’s last paint job, start planning for a fresh coat.

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Health Mart is proud to be a member of the McKesson family, sharing in the collective industry knowledge and experience residing within all of the McKesson corporate affiliates. Since 1833, McKesson has been committed to the success of independent pharmacies through the delivery of innovative programs and reliable distribution services.